Weekly Update from Pastor Adam - May 5, 2023

May 5, 2023

May 5, 2023

Dear Resurrection Family,

Happy Cinco de Mayo! In the US this is largely a celebration of Mexican-American culture, and LaVon and I will be enjoying Mexican food tonight!

THIS WEEKEND IN WORSHIP: DISCERNING GOD’S WILL FOR YOUR LIFE

This weekend we’re continuing our sermon series titled Why? God Suffering and Hope. We began with God and suffering several weeks ago. Last week we turned to God and unanswered prayer. This week, we’ll turn to the question of God’s will or plan for your life. We’ll start by considering Calvinism and predestination. We’ll then consider if God already has your life planned out? If not, what is meant when Christians say, “God has a plan for your life?” Finally, we’ll focus on how we discern God’s will in our daily lives.

This will be a helpful message for everyone, particularly students who are graduating as well as people who are going through life changes and making important decisions. Invite someone to join you in person, online or on TV. An easy way to share all of our worship options with a friend is to send them a link to this page: resurrection.church/worship where we have all our service options.

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE CHURCH? COFFEE WITH THE PASTORS THIS SUNDAY, MAY 7

Are you ready to move from being a visitor at Resurrection to being a member and officially making us your church family? Every few months we hold our joining class, Coffee with the Pastors, on Sunday afternoons and this Sunday is our next class! We’ll gather from 2 to 4 pm at all locations and by ZOOM online. We have 300 people already signed up (154 households) and we’d love to include you.

Here’s what happens at Coffee with the Pastors. You’ll meet others who are considering joining and hear a bit of their story. At each location our location pastors share a bit of their story – and I’ll share with a bit of my story (in person at Leawood, live on Zoom, and via video at our locations), our church’s story, and what it means to be a member. We are one church in multiple locations so feel free to join at the location of your choice. For those ready to join, at 3:30 pm we’ll have our official joining service. The event is fun, informational and inspirational, and for some, life changing. Here’s the registration link.

A DISCUSSION ABOUT FOSTER FAMILIES AND ADOPTION

As you may recall our grant, from your Easter offerings, went to support resources for young adults who are aging out of foster care. I mentioned Resurrection was looking at how we could increase our support for the children and families in the foster care system. This Tuesday, May 9, at 6:30 pm in the Wesley Chapel at Leawood, we are hosting a forum discussion on the current landscape of Foster/Adopt Ministry in both Kansas and Missouri and what the church can do to support families and kids, leading to better outcomes. I hope you’ll make plans to participate. You can learn more and register for the event here.

DONATE BLOOD THIS WEEK

Resurrection, you are the largest source of blood in Kansas City and this week is our next blood drive. I hope you’ll join me in giving the gift of life. You can click on the link to make an appointment, but walk-ins are always welcome.

Leawood, Monday, May 8, 8 am – 8 pm, Foundry Bldg. B
Leawood, Tuesday, May 9, 8 am – 8 pm, Foundry Bldg. B
Overland Park: Thursday, May 11, 2 – 7 pm
Blue Springs: Thursday, May 11, 2 – 6 pm
West: Monday, May 15, noon – 6 pm
West: Tuesday, May 16, 8 am – 2 pm

FALL GLOBAL IMPACT TRIPS TO MALAWI AND SOUTH AFRICA

We still have openings for two fall global impact trips. This is your opportunity to experience God’s work through our global partners. One of our hopes is that each of you will take an international mission trip at some point through Resurrection. My aim is to do this at least every five years. Many of you love adventures, seeing new places, meeting new people and being a part of God’s work. I’ve been to both of these places and I promise you, if you go, you will talk about this trip for the rest of your life.

Sept. 14 – 26 Malawi – This is an opportunity to meet with some amazing young African entrepreneurs and empower them to achieve their goals. You’ll also see first-hand what Resurrection is doing through our in-country partners and experience the hospitality of local Malawian villages.
Oct. 5 – 16 South Africa – Work alongside the teachers and students a Ditshego House of Laughter, a preschool supported by Resurrection, and see how the lives of vulnerable children are being transformed.

Learn more about these trips, as well as other mission trips, and submit your application on the website.

VESPERS TUESDAY EVENING

Join me this Tuesday, May 9, at 7:30 pm CDT for our weekly Vespers. Next Friday, I’ll be preaching the commencement address at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary located on the campus of Northwestern University in Chicago. I thought I’d share with you some of the things I’ll be sharing at the commencement – a few essential leadership lessons – lessons not only for pastors, but for everyone. You can join us live on my Pastor Adam Hamilton Facebook page Tuesday night, or watch the replay on my FB page or our YouTube channel after Tuesday.

YOUNG ADULT GROUPS RELAUNCH MAY 10

Join young adults on Wednesday evenings at 6:45 pm in the Wesley Chapel to connect, grow in faith, and build relationships with older adult mentors. The group frequently goes on social outings and service projects. Learn more or register here.

RESURRECTION MOVIE NIGHT WEDNESDAY, MAY 17: JESUS REVOLUTION

On Graduation Weekend, May 21, I’m going to be preaching a sermon based upon the film, Jesus Revolution. I thought it might be fun to give you a chance to see the whole film first. It has been at the theatres the last couple of months. We’ll be showing the film at our Leawood Location on Wednesday, May 17, at 6:30 pm in the Foundry (we’ll let you know next Friday if it will be at any other locations). We’ll have free popcorn, and the café will be open for those who want to get a bite to eat. The film is set in the early 1970’s and is based on a true story of what happened when a group of “hippies” were invited to show up at a smaller, predominantly older congregation. Here’s the trailer, you’ll want to watch it. Please note that the film is rated PG-13 and may not be suitable for children. You can register for the event here.

I’m looking forward to worshiping this weekend!

Adam

Adam Hamilton

Resurrection Senior Pastor

Reverend Adam Hamilton is the senior pastor of Church of the Resurrection and the author of 22 books. He has been married to LaVon since 1982, and she has been a critical partner in every dimension of Adam’s work. They have two daughters and one granddaughter.

Adam’s writings are known for helping readers make sense of challenging theological questions, exploring the significance of the biblical stories, and equipping Christian leaders to be more effective in their work. He earned his MDiv from Perkins School of Theology and graduated with honors from Oral Roberts University with a degree in Pastoral Ministry.

Learn More About What's Happening Now at Your Location

Watch for the “Next” newsletter in your email on Tuesday. This newsletter includes a personal message from your location pastor (Wendy, Anne, Bill, Penny, Joshua and Ashley) and opportunities for you to engage and connect at your location. If you’re not receiving it right now, you can sign up here.

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